Dumerc Late Show Takes Down Tarsus

A late intervention and some deadly three-point shooting by French national team star Celine Dumerc allowed Bourges Basket to claim a narrow 66-63 EuroLeague Women Group A success against Tarsus Belediye.

The losing side will be feeling frustrated and disappointed they couldn't take a victory on French soil, since they held healthy leads for long periods of the game, but just couldn't get the job done when it mattered down the stretch.

Despite the loss of Amaya Valdemoro who left during the winter break, Tarsus played well during the first half and went 26-17 ahead after Dila Askin converted a triple.

Still leading 36-28 shortly after the interval, Tarsus were well placed, but Dumerc found her range from downtown and fired back-to-back triples to get the home side within a point.

Moments later, she scored at the basket to put Bourges ahead and they remained there during the last quarter, when teenage center Christelle Diallo stepped into the game to put her team 55-49 to the good.

Ahead by six points with three minutes remaining, Bourges then suffered a real wobble and left the door ajar for Tarsus who made the most of their opportunity to get back into the game by pulling level via a Melisa Can free throw, after five points in a row from Shay Doron.

But, Dumerc wasn't to be denied and she sunk another three-pointer as well as a pair of free throws to get her team over the finishing line.

She had 17 points whilst Diallo claimed her highest score in the competition with a modest but hugely important and efficient eight points.